Press Releases

MCAN Recognizes 11 Selected Michigan Schools

To Receive System Impact Grants

Nov. 2017 - LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) announced today that more than $265,000 in High School System Impact Grantswill be awarded to 11 high schools across the state to enhance college and career readiness policy and practices. The awarded schools will receive grants of up to $25,000.

“The funds provided by Reach Higher System Impact Grantswill provide the resources necessary for schools to implement bold changes to help their students prepare for a college education and future careers,” said Brandy Johnson, executive director of the Michigan College Access Network. “In today’s knowledge-based economy, it’s imperative that we support students in their efforts to further their education. The Reach Higher System Impact Grants encourage existing participants in our network to take their efforts beyond programming to drive systems change within the partner schools.”

Each of the 11 high schools selected to receive a Reach Higher System Impact Grant was a second year participant of MCAN’s Reach Higher grantprogram, an initiative aimed at supporting college-going culture inside high schools to increase the number of high school students ready for and enrolling in college. Last year, 100 high schools across the state received more than $500,000 in grants as a part of the Reach Higher program.

Schools were selected based on a competitive grant review process. Reach Higher System Impact Grants will support programs and reforms aimed at bolstering metrics around college and career readiness in a variety of ways, including:

Reforming curriculums and course arrangements to specifically address topics such as college readiness, career development and financial literacy.

Improving access to college test preparation resources and training programs designed to increase standardized test scores.

Creation of college and career planning centers where students, teachers, advisors, and counselors can meet and formulate postsecondary education plans with students.

“The innovative system changes and reforms made possible by these grants will positively impact students and will build on the successes created by the Reach Higher program,” said Johnson.

The list of grant recipients includes:

High Schools

Allegan County Area Technical and Education Center

Bridgman High School

Comstock High School

Detroit School of Arts

Hartland High School

Hastings High School

Mancelona High School

Monroe High School

Muskegon High School

Plainwell High School

Whitmore Lake High School

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About Michigan College Access Network

As the leader in the state’s college access movement, MCAN’s mission is to increase Michigan’s college readiness, participation and completion rates, particularly among low-income students, first-generation college going students, and students of color. For the seventh year in a row, Michigan’s postsecondary educational attainment rate has increased — from 35.7 percent of 25-to-64-year-olds possessing at least an associate degree in 2008, to 39.4 percent in 2015. Additionally, it is estimated another 4 percent of Michiganders have a high-quality certificate, bringing Michigan’s official attainment rate to 43.4 percent. It is MCAN’s goal to increase Michigan’s postsecondary educational attainment rate to 60 percent by the year 2025. For more information, visit micollegeaccess.org.

The following statement can be attributed to Brandy Johnson, executive director of the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) in response to Gov. Rick Snyder signing HB 4181 to require school counselors to receive training on career and college advising to help guide the decision-making of high school students:

Nov. 9, 2017 - LANSING, MICH. - "We applaud Gov. Snyder and the Legislature for improving requirements for career and college advising. We’re confident this legislation will better equip school counselors as they help students explore career choices and offer guidance on postsecondary enrollment options. These requirements will boost the proficiency and skills counselors need to continue making a difference in the lives of students and helps ensure a bright future for Michigan by equipping students with the tools needed to succeed in a knowledge-based economy. It takes a network of support to guide students through the college-going process and we know counselors are an important piece of that puzzle.”

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About Michigan College Access Network

As the leader in the state’s college access movement, MCAN’s mission is to increase Michigan’s college readiness, participation and completion rates, particularly among low-income students, first-generation college going students, and students of color. For the seventh year in a row, Michigan’s postsecondary educational attainment rate has increased — from 35.7 percent of 25-to-64-year-olds possessing at least an associate degree in 2008, to 39.4 percent in 2015. Additionally, it is estimated another 4 percent of Michiganders have a high-quality certificate, bringing Michigan’s official attainment rate to 43.4 percent. It is MCAN’s goal to increase Michigan’s postsecondary educational attainment rate to 60 percent by the year 2025. For more information, visit micollegeaccess.org.

MCAN applauds Michigan Legislature for passing HB 4181

The following statement can be attributed to Sarah Anthony, deputy director of partnerships and advocacy of the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) in response to legislation strengthening requirements for school counselors that will now head to Gov. Rick Snyder for consideration.

Oct. 26, 2017, LANSING, MICH. -"There is a clear connection to the training and information provided to school counselors and the career and college readiness outcomes of their students. It is critical we support the essential work and impact of Michigan’s school counselors. We applaud the Legislature for passing HB 4181 and encourage Gov. Rick Snyder to support this important effort.

In today’s knowledge-based economy, postsecondary education is not a luxury reserved for some, but a necessity for everyone. School counselors need the proper training to help students navigate every aspect of the college-going process — academic, logistical, financial and social. We strongly believe HB 4181 is an important tool to position Michigan’s school counselors, and their students, for success.”

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About Michigan College Access Network

As the leader in the state’s college access movement, MCAN’s mission is to increase Michigan’s college readiness, participation and completion rates, particularly among low-income students, first-generation college going students, and students of color. For the seventh year in a row, Michigan’s postsecondary educational attainment rate has increased — from 35.7 percent of 25-to-64-year-olds possessing at least an associate degree in 2008, to 39.4 percent in 2015. Additionally, it is estimated another 4 percent of Michiganders have a high-quality certificate, bringing Michigan’s official attainment rate to 43.4 percent. It is MCAN’s goal to increase Michigan’s postsecondary educational attainment rate to 60 percent by the year 2025. For more information, visit micollegeaccess.org.

MCAN applauds HB 4181 passing out of Senate Education Committee

HB 4181 would strengthen boost efforts to improve counselor training

Oct. 3, 2017 - LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) supports the latest legislative effort to strengthen requirements for school counselors. House Bill 4181, introduced by Rep. Brett Roberts (R- Charlotte), would require school counselors to receive training on career and college advising to help guide the decision-making of high school students. HB 4181 was approved out of the Senate Education Reform Committee Tuesday. This legislation aims to bolster school counselors’ proficiency when it comes to helping students pursue postsecondary opportunities.

MCAN’s mission is to increase Michigan’s college readiness, participation and completion rates, particularly among low-income students, first-generation college-going students and students of color. Michigan’s postsecondary educational attainment rate has increased — from 35.7 percent of 25-to-64-year-olds possessing at least an associate degree in 2008, to 39.4 percent in 2015.

To ensure that students have up-to-date, accurate information when choosing a postsecondary education path, it is essential that counselors receive the training that is needed to help students develop their plans.

“Arming counselors with the information and materials they need to guide students is a win/win and sets both Michigan’s counselors and students up for success,” said Brandy Johnson, MCAN executive director. “We have offered counselor training courses to supplement and strengthen the efforts and impact counselors make every day in the lives of students. Postsecondary credentials are essential in today’s knowledge-based economy and school counselors must have the proper training to help students navigate every aspect of the college-going process – academic, financial and social.”

MCAN currently offers various counselor training courses for counselors, in addition to scholarships for professional development. Most notably are the School Counselor Postsecondary Training Course and the Advanced Counselor Course which cover advanced topics in college and career advising. To date, approximately 450 Michigan school counselors have participated in the course.

As the leader in the state’s college access movement, MCAN’s mission is to increase Michigan’s college readiness, participation and completion rates, particularly among low-income students, first-generation college going students, and students of color. For the seventh year in a row, Michigan’s postsecondary educational attainment rate has increased — from 35.7 percent of 25-to-64-year-olds possessing at least an associate degree in 2008, to 39.4 percent in 2015. Additionally, it is estimated another 4 percent of Michiganders have a high-quality certificate, bringing Michigan’s official attainment rate to 43.4 percent. It is MCAN’s goal to increase Michigan’s postsecondary educational attainment rate to 60 percent by the year 2025. For more information, visit micollegeaccess.org.

Gov. Snyder Declares October Michigan College Month

High schools across state hosting college application and financial aid campaigns throughout the month

Sept. 28, 2017 - LANSING, MICH. — Hundreds of high schools statewide will kick off Michigan College Month on October 1. Michigan College Month aims to ensure that every graduating senior has submitted at least one college application and applied for Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) by the end of the month.

As part of the celebration, high schools will host concurrent college application and financial aid campaigns throughout the month.

“As the global economy increasingly requires more people with postsecondary skills, it’s important that we continue to support students in their efforts to pursue higher education,” said Gov. Rick Snyder. “A 21st Century education is a valuable tool that can help prepare Michigan’s young people for future success.”

Hundreds of schools throughout Michigan will be designated host sites where activities will take place to guide high school seniors through completing a college application or applying for financial aid. Resources and materials will be provided to school counselors and educators by Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) and schools will be dedicating classroom time to isolating the different parts of the application process so that seniors have a clear step-by-step understanding of how to determine what schools or training fits their needs.

In collaboration with area high schools, many Michigan colleges will be waiving their application fees or removing financial barriers that may hold students back.

“We want every high school senior to believe they’re college material by submitting at least one college application and applying for financial aid,” said Brandy Johnson, MCAN Executive Director. “Navigating the college-going process is intimidating and this will help students understand this process, particularly first-generation college students.”

In the past, the push was to submit college applications for one week in October. MCAN, partnering with the governor’s office, decided to expand the campaign from one week to a month and to combine applying for financial aid and applying to colleges. During the 2015 College Application Week, more than 48,000 college applications were submitted. 81.5 percent of graduating seniors participated in College Application Week activities and 66 percent of students completed their first college application during the week.

“Since we kicked off our efforts in 2011, we have continued to see the needle move to increase the number of students pursuing postsecondary education,” Johnson said. “We hope expanding our efforts throughout the entire month of October will continue to grow our efforts to provide an educated and sustainable workforce for Michigan.”

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About Michigan College Access Network

As the leader in the state’s college access movement, MCAN’s mission is to increase Michigan’s college readiness, participation and completion rates, particularly among low-income students, first-generation college going students, and students of color. For the seventh year in a row, Michigan’s postsecondary educational attainment rate has increased — from 35.7 percent of 25-to-64-year-olds possessing at least an associate degree in 2008, to 39.4 percent in 2015. Additionally, it is estimated another 4 percent of Michiganders have a high-quality certificate, bringing Michigan’s official attainment rate to 43.4 percent. It is MCAN’s goal to increase Michigan’s postsecondary educational attainment rate to 60 percent by the year 2025. For more information, visit micollegeaccess.org.